Mumbai: Karen Barragan has been promoted to vice president, media relations, Sony Pictures Television (SPT). The announcement was made by SPT president, marketing Robert Oswaks, to whom she reports.

In this role, Barragan oversees the publicity efforts for SPT’s broadcast, cable and digital series and made-for-television movies, including the upcoming launch of the Patrick Swayze drama The Beast for A&E; The Unusuals for ABC; Georgia O’Keeffe, the MOW starring Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons for Lifetime; and Crackle.com’s Angel of Death, among others. This includes strategizing, developing and maintaining all aspects of print, television and digital media campaigns as well as working closely with executives, producers, networks, partner sites, and talent to promote the studio’s slate of television and online.

"We’re thrilled to recognize Barragan’s accomplishments and creative problem solving over the years with this promotion," said Oswaks. "She’s a team player with impeccable relationships across the board–from executives to producers and talent to press. Barragan has proven herself to be a strategic, big picture thinker with her finger on the pulse of where the opportunities are for our traditional programming, as well as our growing business in new media."

Caroline Mendoza has been hired as director, media relations. Based in the studio’s New York office, Mendoza will oversee the publicity for Damages, Rescue Me, and The Unusuals as well as help with the promotion of MOWs.

Previously, Barragan served as executive director, media relations. Since joining SPT in 2004, she has launched campaigns for shows such as Rescue Me (FX), the Emmy Award-winning Breaking Bad (AMC), The Boondocks (Adult Swim), original web series, mobile initiatives, and The Minisode Network. Prior to Sony, Barragan was director of the television practice for mPRm Public Relations where she was engaged in all aspects of multimedia publicity campaigns for television, including the launch of America’s Next Top Model.

Formerly, Mendoza was PR manager, AMC Network where she created, strategized and implemented publicity campaigns for original series, movies and programming stunts including the Emmy Award-winning dramas Breaking Bad, Mad Men and miniseries Broken Trail, as well as Hustle and Monsterfest.